The moon hung low and swollen above Valyria, casting a dim silver light over the labyrinthine streets. Kaelarys moved swiftly through the shadowed alleys, the stolen dragon egg secured deep within the magic ring's pocket—a warmth pulsing faintly against his palm. Every nerve was taut; the echo of pursuit echoed faintly behind him, a reminder that the Targaryen mercenaries would not let the theft go unpunished.
His breath came in quiet, measured gasps as he darted past crumbling ruins and charred stone walls, the ancient city's ash-laden air thick with the scent of smoke and magic. The system interface flickered before his eyes.
Enemy Alert Level: HighTime Until Reinforcements: 10 minutesNew Quest Objective: Evade Pursuit and Reach Safehouse (0/1)
Kaelarys's mind raced, calculating his escape route. The maze of Valyria's streets was both a blessing and a curse—its winding alleys provided cover, but unfamiliar turns could lead him into a trap.
Suddenly, from the corner of his eye, he caught movement — a group of mercenaries armed with gleaming blades and dark magic, their faces obscured by blackened masks. They spread out, cutting off his path forward.
Kaelarys slowed, sliding into a crouch behind a broken pillar. His heart pounded fiercely, a drumbeat of urgency. Activating Shadowstep, he melted into the darkness, slipping silently between shadows.
As a mercenary stepped into his last position, Kaelarys's hand shot out with deadly precision. The Silent Kill skill unfurled like a shadowy serpent — a swift strike to the throat, silence swallowing the man before a sound escaped.
He dashed onward, senses heightened as he navigated the city's forgotten passages. The magic ring hummed softly, holding the dragon egg safe within its mystical confines.
This is only the beginning.
A soft voice echoed in his mind — the system's guidance.
New Skill Progress: Silent Kill (Level 2)EXP Gained: 180 / 300New Skill Unlocked: Dragon Whispers (Ability to communicate telepathically with dragons)
Kaelarys's lips curled into a small, grim smile. The dragon egg's power was more than a prize—it was a living bond to the ancient beasts of legend.
After what felt like hours, he reached a hidden alcove near the Maegaron estate's outskirts. There, Lyanna waited, cloaked in dark robes, eyes sharp and vigilant.
"You made it," she breathed, relief washing over her face.
Kaelarys nodded, handing her the egg carefully.
"It's real," he whispered. "And it's just the first."
She smiled faintly. "Then we must move quickly. The other families won't wait for the Doom. They'll strike for power."
Together, they disappeared into the night, plotting the next steps in a game that would decide the fate of Valyria itself.